I remember the first time I “met” Kim Harms.
I’d read her posts on Inspire a Fire and was an instant fan. So when she left a comment on one of my Inspire posts, I was tickled pink, and truly touched. Her words came at a crucial point in my writing life. Kim didn’t know this, but God did. Over the years, our friendship has grown, as has my respect.
Welcome to the Tiny House on the Hill.
By: Kim Harms
I had two years of elementary education classes behind me the first time I stepped foot in an actual elementary classroom with real children. It took me all of 30 seconds to realize that teaching kids was not for me.
Seeking direction, I took an aptitude and interest survey at a local business college. When a school counselor sat down with me to go over the results, she said these words. “I have never said this to anyone who’s taken this survey before, but you don’t belong at our school.”
A Turning Point
Those words were a turning point in my life. Knowing that I wasn’t suited for teaching or for business, I took some time to consider what I was passionate about.
Words. Words are my passion. I read three books at a time, and I have boxes of journals dating back to fourth grade. I wrote for my high school newspaper. I was on the yearbook staff. My first poem was published when I was fourteen. But I had never before considered trying to turn my passion into a career. Until now.
I stayed at ISU and changed my major to English: Literary Studies (basically a creative writing degree) and I started taking journalism classes as well. I loved it. I found the little corner of the world that I was made for. I allowed myself to dream about writing for newspapers and magazines. And someday, the dream of all dreams, maybe I’d even write a book.
I did become a newspaper reporter, and I found some success writing for magazines too, but the book thing was elusive for a long time. I didn’t try to push it. I didn’t even know what I would write a book about, but the dream always remained.
Praying for Direction
In 2015, I started praying that God would give me a clear direction for my writing, whether that was as a reporter or an author or both. For a whole year, I prayed.
And then I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Prayers for direction ceased as I started praying for my life. Lord, will I live to see my boys graduate? Who will find all the missing earbuds if I’m gone? Who will scratch the boy’s backs at bedtime? Who will make cookie dough for family movie night? A barrage of heavy thoughts weighed me down at first, but I made it to the other side cancer-free.
I had both of my breasts removed and walked the bizarre world of breast reconstruction. I dealt with the physical, emotional and psychological toll that it all took on me.
It was a very very hard thing, but God never promised me a life of ease.
I also found that direction I’d been praying for. I recently signed a contract with Familius Publishing for my first book, tentatively titled Life Reconstructed: A Girlfriend’s Guide to Mastectomies and Breast Reconstruction. A book that wouldn’t have happened without a cancer detour.
The Gift of a Tiny House
And that brings me to my tiny house.
One year to the day after receiving a cancer diagnosis, God gave me the keys to an amazing (albeit, seriously in the need of updating) house on 1.5 wooded acres smack-dab in the middle of our little town. (You can read that story here).
I’d have been content with the woods and the house, but it came with a bonus.
A tiny cabin nestled in the trees by a ravine. The interior was unfinished, and I figured it would probably stay that way for a long while. But my hubby loves me so much that he made it one of our first projects. In his free time, he insulated it, added a propane heater, installed flooring, and paneled the walls. And I adore it because tiny houses are just the cutest thing. But I adore it even more because Corey finished it for me specifically so I would have a quiet writing space.
Prior to the cabin, I didn’t have a dedicated place to write. My book proposal came together at my kitchen table, on my couch, and at a booth in Panera. Those places are okay, and sometimes I still head to Panera because their cranberry orange muffins are amazing. But this cabin? Wow.
Right now, I’m sitting at a little table surrounded by trees and a meandering creek. It’s a gift. An amazingly wonderful gift. I don’t deserve it. I did nothing to earn it. God in his loving-kindness blessed my family with a property that includes a tiny cabin. And my hubby, in his loving-kindness blessed me by transforming it into a writing retreat.
God is good. And he gave me a good man.
I have a lot of writing to get done at this little table. My first draft is due in January. It’s equally exhilarating and terrifying to think of all that needs to happen to get this book from my brain to someone’s nightstand. But when I’m overwhelmed by this monster task, all I have to do is look out my tiny house window to be reminded of the God who loves to provide for his children and the husband who believes in me more than I believe in myself.
Kim’s Gift to You!
A beautiful journal and bookmark. Thank you for loving on our *tiny* community, Kim.
To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment sharing where you most enjoy reading and/or writing!
Kim, as always, I loved this piece. As a fellow Inspire a Fire writer, I was familiar with your cancer story. But I really enjoyed hearing the back story to your writing journey and the deeper reflections on how you felt during your diagnosis. The good Lord has brought you through so much! Congratulations on your contract! Yay! And what a sweet husband and sweet spot with the tiny cabin to complete your writing…in your corner of the world! Thanks Kim and Cathy! Love and hugs to you both!
Sorry, Cathy, once again in all the excitement, I failed to answer the question you actually asked. 🙂 Leave it to me! I have an office on the lower level of our tri-level home. Our home was built up instead of out. Some refer to it as a condo-style home. The lowest level is partly underground. But I have a bright and colorful office space where I write and read. When I need different scenery, I sometimes escape to our screen porch (depending on the temps), or our courtyard surrounded by a japanese maple and a river birch…again depending on temps.
No apologies needed, Karen. I love that you take the time to stop by and share. And if you answer the question, great — but your being here is what matters the most.
Your place sounds lovely! Japanese Maple and River Birches are two of my favorites. Thank you!
Thank you Karen. I’m super-excited about the contract and about having a quiet peaceful place to write 🙂 I’ve also enjoyed reading your posts at Inspire a Fire. Would love to connect in real life someday.
What a beautiful story! I did have to laugh outloud at the 2 years of educational classes and then entering a real classroom with real kids…I’m a preschool/elementary teacher, and even I’ve had those days! But no way would I trade grades to do middle school or high school…if I were still teaching. Thanks for sharing your inspiration and give your honey a kiss and a hug. Well done on the writing retreat!
Thanks for stopping by, Angie! 🙂
Thanks Angie! I have great respect for teachers, but I’m so glad I switched directions 🙂
I am Kim’s mom(which probably disqualifies me from winning the prize), but I too love her writing. Her ability to use words amazes me. To answer the question about my favorite place to read, I have read many books while walking many miles on the streets of our little town. When it’s too cold, or dark, or wet or windy to be outdoors I love to read in my little front porch, which is also a great place to watch the birds and squirrels.
Hi, Kim’s mom! I’m delighted you stopped by to share. 🙂 I’m not sure I could walk and read at the same time – ha! (or are they via audio?) You’ve intrigued me because I love the idea of combining the two. Your front porch sounds like a peaceful place to read. Thank you for taking the time to share, Jan, and yes, you’re included in the drawing! A random generator picks, not me. I hope you’ll stop by for a visit again. Blessings!
My mom, my biggest fan 🙂 And Cathy, she really walks and reads at the same time. I would run into light poles and trip over cracks in the sidewalk.
Wow! That’s impressive. 🙂
Hi Kim & Cathy,
I love writing because it’s acted as everything from my therapist to my retreat. I love your story and that you’ve overcome so much. When I moved in here last Christmas, I noticed that I have an extra bedroom that I hope recreate as my own office…. my own space to write. I’m still in my writing on my couch or in the middle of Starbucks phase. Hopefully, it’ll happen this year, but we’ll see.
Blessings,
Laurie Epps
Hi Laurie! As long as you’re writing, that’s what matters most — but I look forward to seeing pictures of the re-do when your room is ready. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I love having a writing retreat, but I still enjoy writing on my comfy couch or at a coffee shop sometimes too. Keep writing. I totally get the therapy thing. It is often therapy for me as well.
First time reading your work Ms. Kim. Definitely not my last ma’am. Will be forwarding this to my wife; and I’m pretty certain she’ll be pre-ordering Life Re-Constructed. Thank you for sharing your story, and your heart with us ma’am. God’s blessings and Happy Writing!
Thanks for stopping by, J.D. I’m sure Kim’s book will be a blessing to your wife.
Thank you J.D.! I appreciate the encouragement and I’d love to connect with your wife.
I’ve tried writing in different places; the library, a coffee shop. But I’m a people watcher/eavesdropper and that doesn’t always help the word count. Plus, I like looking down and seeing our two dogs at my feet. And sometimes the Persian helps by curling up beside the laptop
Tim, although I’m allergic to both, having sweet dogs and a kitty at my feet while reading/writing would be soothing for sure. I’m the same way with people watching — which is why I stay home. Ha!!! Thanks for stopping by!
I have an English Springer Spaniel that likes to sit at my feet when I write too. He’s not allowed in the cabin though, so he only gets to write with me when I work at the kitchen table.
I love to sit on my deck overlooking The Wilderness Place. My chair is next to a patch of Zinnia blooms, the hummingbirds swirl around me, and I can hear the doves. I love that spot! Thank you, Cathy Baker for pointing me to another great writer and keeper of a Tiny House!
Thank you, Tammy! The Wilderness Place sounds like a spot that should be on the calendar. 🙂 Just reading your description lowered my blood pressure. Wow, what a blessing! And yes, Kim is special in every way. Thanks again for taking the time to share.
I love Zinnias! We have so much shade that I can’t get much of anything to bloom on my deck, though, so I’ve resigned myself to impatiens 🙂
My favorite thing about writing is when a piece of done. I breathe a sigh of relief and head on to the next task. 😀 Thanks for sharing, Kim. All articles with Tiny House references are now on my radar thanks to Cathy. <3
Tell me about it, Sandra! There’s nothing like the two words “the end” — whether they’re written or not. 🙂 I appreciate you taking the time to share. Blessings, friend.
I also love the feeling of completion. It’s a little overwhelming when I think about getting this book to the point of completion, but I do breathe a sigh of relief each time I complete a draft of a chapter!
Kim, thank you for allowing our Father to lead you. I know there were times when your journey felt less like an adventure – more like a wilderness. But, look at you in Him, today. Such an endearing unfolding of how He uses us to meet needs we do not know. Love your cabin, your honor toward your “good man” and your love of Christ. So nice to meet you 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Charla. Your name always brings a smile to my face. 🙂
Nice to meet you too Charla, and thanks so much for your kind words. It did indeed sometimes feel like a wilderness, but those are the times I’m forced to depend completely on Christ. And he ALWAYS shows up. ♥️